Watch Flourish

Flourish is a 2006 independent film that follows the lives of several high school students in a prestigious school in Los Angeles. The movie features Jennifer Morrison, Jesse Spencer, and Leighton Meester among its ensemble cast. The story begins with Gabrielle Winters (Morrison), a senior student who is a straight-A student and has a perfect life on the surface. However, we soon learn that she is taking Ritalin to stay focused and is dealing with her mother's past as a drug addict. Gabrielle starts a self-help group for fellow students struggling with addiction, including her best friend, Wendy (Meester), who is bulimic.

Meanwhile, Tommy (Spencer), a troubled and rebellious student with a history of criminal activities, is transferred to the same school. Gabrielle and Tommy's paths cross, and he starts to attend her self-help group, revealing his own struggles with drugs and violence. However, Gabrielle also has a dark secret that threatens to unravel everything she has built for herself.

As the story progresses, we see the characters navigate their personal struggles, relationships, and academic pressures. They try to find meaning and purpose in their lives while dealing with family problems and societal expectations.

The movie's direction by Kevin Palys is commendable, and he manages to balance the multiple storylines and characters' arcs effectively. The narrative is never dull, and the themes of addiction, mental health, and self-discovery are explored with sensitivity and nuance.

The performances by the leads are also noteworthy, and they bring depth and complexity to their characters. Morrison does a fantastic job portraying the vulnerability and strength of Gabrielle, while Spencer adds layers to Tommy's troubled persona. Meester shines as Wendy, portraying the character's inner turmoil with authenticity.

The movie's cinematography and editing are also impressive, with the use of close-ups and quick cuts capturing the characters' emotions and conflicts. The soundtrack, featuring artists like Rilo Kiley and The Shins, complements the tone and mood of the movie.

Overall, Flourish is a thought-provoking and engaging movie that explores the challenges and triumphs of teenage life. It delves into serious issues with deftness and compassion, making it a compelling watch for fans of indie dramas.

Flourish is a 2006 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6.